Slurry this & slurry that...on Shapton GS stones

[ScottGoodman]

It seems that slurries are the buzz right now and I've used them from time to time with varied success. One combination that has me intrigued and pleased is what I use on my Shapton GS progression, so I felt compelled to share it with the crew.

What you will need:
-Shapton GS stones 1,4,8,16K
-Coti or coti slurry stone
-Thuringian slurry stone
-.5 diamond leather strop
-leather strop

-1K:
I typically use my gs1k to reset a bevel, but if there is a lot of work to be done like a auction razor, frown, or chipped blade I start with a king 1k with tape until I get the blade "worked out".
-4K:
Still refining the edge: Once I get the bevel set, I work with my normal progression on the GS stones. On 4k I start with a medium slurry of coticule bbw, ten circles one way, then ten the other...both sides of the blade. I dilute the slurry solution with water to where there is a slight slurry still on the stones and then repeat the circles. Rinse the stone and then ten x-strokes. Rinse again (I use a squirt bottle and rub the stone with my fingers for the "rinse")and 10 more x-strokes, but slow and light pressure, that I call my polish pass. I know that it's not polishing on a 4k, but it's giving the best polish that stone/grit has to offer.
-8K:
We are in the polish stage now with very little edge refining now: On the 8K I start with a light slurry of coti, ten circles one way, then ten the other...both sides of the blade. Rinse and then 10 x-strokes. Rinse again where you have a clean stone and 10 more x-strokes, but slow and light pressure, the polish pass.

You should be able to strop and shave with the razor right now, the rest is simply icing on the cake.

-16K:
I take it easy one the 16K because it is an aggressive finisher. I've got a couple different ways of finishing, but we are talking about slurries. I have one of those 5"x1" thuringians that is my "barber hone" in the bathroom. It also serves as a slurry stone on the 16K. I build up a medium slurry and give 10 normal x-strokes, wipe, followed by 10 more x-strokes, but slow and light pressure, the polish pass.

-Strop
I use paddle strops. There, I said it. My stones are flat and my strops are too.

I make 20 passes each side on the .5 micron diamond strop, wipe, and then 30 passes on plain leather.

That's it...now the best part: SHAVE!!

The circles and x's "method" is not mine, but the slurry is something that I have found to be quite successful...every time. So far I haven't had a razor to not give me a good shave using this method. Try it...you will more than likely like it...

If you have a slurry method that is successful and proven, share it!
Scott